|
The deafening roar of revving engines… the acrid smell of burning rubber… the exhilarating thrill of unbridled speed… An archival auto racing footage collection recently acquired by the WPA Film Library provides a fascinating look at the multi-faceted world of professional motor sports. Originally captured on color 16mm film, this unique collection covers high profile races, legendary drivers and celebrities involved with motor sports, spanning the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
Whether you’re looking for NASCAR stockers, NHRA dragsters, IRL Indy race cars, or racing legends such as Mario Andretti, Parnelli Jones, Richard Petty, Fireball Roberts, A.J. Foyt, Lee Roy Yarbrough, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, Al Unser Sr., and Dan Gurney battling in such big races as the Indy 500, Daytona 500, U.S. Nationals, Miller 500, Winternationals, Riverside 500, and Charlotte 500 during their prime, WPA has what you’re looking for and then some.
Also found within the collection are hydrofoil, soap box, midget car, motocross, Baja, Can-Am, and motorcycle racing from every corner of the United States, as well as celebrities like Wilt Chamberlain, James Garner, John Wayne, Lorne Green, Ronald Reagan, Barry Goldwater, and Paul Newman displaying their profound affection for the sport.
Some HIGHLIGHTS include racing legends Lee Roy Yarbrough and Mario Andretti relaxing at home with their respective families, some of the last known footage of stock car legend Glenn "Fireball" Roberts at the 1964 Charlotte World 600, and pre-race outtakes of the 1973 Indy 500 featuring some of the last known footage of Swede Savage (David Earl Savage Jr), who died in a horrific accident on lap 57.
|
|
